Bear Sightings in Westwood

Over the past few weeks, residents in Westwood's Islington neighborhood have reported bear sightings. When the sightings have involved a sole, solitary bear, it's unknown if the sitings are of the same or different animals.

The sitings in Westwood near Washington Street appear to have followed sitings of two young bears in Needham. The sitings took place in mid-June, around DeFazio Park, Needham Golf Club, and Harris Avenue, according to the Needham Observer. The bears were believed to be heading toward the Dedham/Westwood area, reported the news outlet.

Black bears are expanding their range from Western Massachusetts, eastward, according to a map from the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Source: Black bears in Massachusetts, from Mass.gov on July 7, 2023.

Will you be lucky (or unlucky, depending on your point of view) to be the next to spot a black bear in Westwood? If you do, would you know how to react to stay safe?

Westwood Minute has compiled five tips from advice from the pros. For more information and links directly to the sources referred to, check out the links below.

5 Tips for Staying Safe with Bears in Westwood

1. Avoid an encounter. Be careful where you put bird feeders, or take them down. Secure your trash. Ensure your outdoor grill is clean. 

2. Stay calm, and avoid any sudden movements.  Talk to the bear to help identify yourself as a human, not prey.

3. Make yourself look as large as possible. Pick up small children immediately.

4. Leave the area, or wait until the bear leaves.

5. Don't run. Move slowly and sideways from a stationary bear. But hold your ground and threaten a bear that follows. Bears are fast and they can chase you. You can use a stick or clap your hands. For information on how your response should differ based on whether the bear is unaware, curious, fearful or threatened by your presence, click here.

More Resources on Bear Safety

- Staying Safe Around Bears (National Park Service)

- Recommendations for Human-Black Bear Encounters (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)

- Frequently Asked Questions about Black Bears (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)

- Learn about Black Bears (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)

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